by Buick introduced the fully electric Electra L7 sedan
The Buick electric sedan, designed exclusively for the Chinese market, has 378 horsepower and a claimed range of 435 miles (about 700 km).
The Buick Electra L7, which is sold only in China, spent its first year on the market as an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV). Now, the fully electric version, which was always planned for release, has arrived, revealing more technical details.
Technical specifications and platform
The brand is undergoing a transformation into a specialist in new energy vehicles in the Chinese market. The existing EREV version combines a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 40.2 kWh LFP battery, catering to buyers who still want a backup internal combustion engine. The new BEV targets a much larger group of consumers who have already moved away from that.
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The sedan measures 5,032 mm in length, 1,952 mm in width, and 1,499 mm or 1,507 mm in height depending on the configuration, with a wheelbase of 3,000 mm. Underneath is an 800-volt electrical architecture designed for 6C charging. The LFP battery from SAIC has not yet been detailed, but 6C means the battery can theoretically accept a current six times its capacity. For example, a 100 kWh battery would charge at a rate of 600 kW.
Power and range
The Electra L7’s wheels are driven by an electric motor producing 378 hp. For comparison, the 1.5-liter engine of the EREV model produces 154 hp, and its less powerful electric motor adds 238 hp. The car’s range is expected to exceed 435 miles (700 km), although this is based on the optimistic Chinese CLTC cycle.
Design and style
Visually, the electric model is almost indistinguishable from the EREV version. It features the same striking headlights and LED daytime running lights, as well as the same basic bumper and front grille. Other key elements include a roof-mounted lidar, flush door handles, and several intricate wheel designs.
The rear features a darkened bumper with silver trim and relatively simple LED taillights. Overall, the car’s design is not particularly distinctive, but it at least looks like a Buick.
Interior and prices
The Electra L7’s interior includes a large 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 15.6-inch central infotainment display, metal speaker grilles, and wireless phone chargers. Prices for the EREV model start at 173,900 yuan ($25,600 USD) and go up to 219,900 yuan ($32,300 USD), but Buick has not yet confirmed prices for the EV.
Buick Electra L7 EREV
The new electric Buick Electra L7 demonstrates the brand’s strategy of gradually moving away from traditional internal combustion engines in favor of electric vehicles, especially in such an important market as China. The use of an 800-volt architecture with ultra-fast 6C charging puts it on par with the most advanced electric models from competitors. Although the car’s design may seem restrained, it retains recognizable Buick features, which is important for the brand’s loyal customers. It is worth noting that the claimed range of 700 km under the CLTC cycle will likely be less in real-world conditions, but even so, the car offers competitive specifications. The parallel release of EREV and BEV versions allows Buick to reach a wider audience: those not yet ready to fully switch to electric power and those who have already made that move.
